Research spotlight: Columbus State Choose Ohio First Scholars

Student News | Monday, March 9, 2026

                         Left to right: Ava Casper Welty, Kate Burket, and Ava Zellers outside the Ohio Statehouse. 

Three Choose Ohio First (COF) Scholars presented their research at the Choose Ohio First Showcase Feb. 27 at the Ohio Statehouse. The event highlighted the impact of work-based learning and applied scholarships across disciplines. The event celebrated the accomplishments of COF scholars from across Ohio. Attendees included Sen. John Husted and Gov. Mike DeWine.

Kate Burke, a Future Scientists of Ohio (FSO) scholar in the Biological & Physical Sciences Department, presented her project, “Testing Materials for a Better Built Columbus.” Burke shared insights from her internship with the City of Columbus Division of Design and Construction Testing Lab, where she conducted aggregate, concrete, pipe, and storm line testing to ensure infrastructure integrity. Her work underscored the critical role of materials testing, data collection, and technical precision in supporting safe and sustainable community development.

Ava Zellers, an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology student in the Engineering Department, presented “Your Support, Amgen’s Lab, My Future.” Through the Modern Manufacturing Work-Study Program, Zellers works at Amgen, where she applies classroom learning in PLCs, CAD, robotics, and semiconductor processes directly to biotechnology manufacturing. Her presentation emphasized the powerful connection between industry partnerships, hands-on education, and career readiness in Ohio’s growing biotech sector.

Ava Casper Welty, a freshman in the EMS Services program within the Department of Education, Human Services, and Public Safety, presented “Expanding AED Access and CPR/AED Training to Ohio Businesses to Improve Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes.” Drawing on her experience as a nationally registered EMT and certified firefighter, Welty proposed policy recommendations to improve AED access, reduce time to first shock, and increase bystander CPR rates across Ohio. Her research highlighted the public health impact of workforce training and strategic implementation models to improve survival outcomes statewide.

Applications for the Choose Ohio First programs at Columbus State are currently being accepted at this link.  The deadline is Friday, April 10.

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